Press releases

MINSK, 19 December (BelTA) - Scouts will deliver the Peace Light of Bethlehem to Belarusian churches, BelTA learned from the website of the Roman Catholic Church of Belarus.

The Peace Light of Bethlehem lit in the grotto of Christ's birth in the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem will reach the Belarusian border on 21 December. From 21 to 23 December Catholic Scouts will deliver lamps with the Bethlehem light to the churches across Belarus.

So, 21 December it will be solemnly delivered to the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in Grodno. The Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary in Minsk will welcome the Bethlehem light on 22 December. The Bethlehem light relay across the dioceses in Belarus will be running until 23 December.

Every year, the Light from Bethlehem campaign brings together many people in different countries of Europe and North America. The flame, which symbolizes the birth of the Savior, peace, hope and unity, is ignited in the Basilica of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. Then it is delivered to Vienna, Austria and passed through scouts to various countries of Northern Europe and America.

The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organized in 1986 by the Austrian Broadcasting Company - ORF (Linz) and was part of a large charitable relief mission for children in need in Austria and abroad. Since 1989, there has been a great deal of cooperation between Scouts and Guides in many countries, which has allowed the light to travel throughout Europe.

The campaign was supported by heads of almost every Christian community of Europe. The project was blessed by John Paul II and Benedict XVI. In 1996, the light from Bethlehem was brought to 22 European countries, including Belarus